If you are independently minded, but encumbered by a disability that makes walking difficult or impossible, you need to look into purchasing one of those lightweight wheelchairs. It can give you the freedom you only dream about right now. For example, before I got my first lightweight wheelchair, I was exhausted just getting across the parking lot; forget about going into the store and actually shopping.
The Best Lightweight Wheelchairs
When you start looking for the right chair, don’t settle for the first and cheapest wheelchair you come across. Some chairs may only weigh about thirty pounds, but they might as well weigh one hundred. The wheelchairs that are not collapsible might as well be an albatross around your neck. How can you take the chair from point A to point B, if you cannot get the chair in the vehicle?
If you have a friend, a collapsible lightweight wheelchair will generally fit into the trunk. However, speaking from personal experience, if you have use of your arms and know how to use leverage, some wheelchairs will fold up enough to fit behind the driver’s seat or even in the passenger seat.
Then, even if you do not have use of your legs, you can still take yourself shopping, out to eat, to the movies and more, as long as you can drive. But, you need to make sure the chair will fit where you want it to go, before you pay big bucks on the wrong kind of mobility aid.
What to Look for in Lightweight Wheelchairs
Not all wheelchairs are created equal. Based on my own mistakes in the past, don’t purchase just any folding wheelchair. In other words, don’t purchase something online, unless you have done your homework.
First, you need to get your measurements, in order to make sure the chair will be either too big or too small. The width and length of the seat is probably the most important. If you are not comfortable, you may have circulation issues and pressure point sores, if you are in the chair too long.
Next, make sure that the chair not only folds, but will disassemble and reassemble easily. To make the chair even lighter and easier to manipulate, you will want to be able to remove the armrests and footrests, before putting it into the car. Of course, don’t forget to have a good removable cushion to make your ride a lot more comfortable, healthier and safer.
In short, even if you have a motorized wheelchair for around the house or when you are with a friend, one of the lightweight wheelchairs can make it a lot easier to leave home to live life. If you have use of your arms and can drive, even with hand controls, you can take yourself places and gain greater independence.